Sinn Féin - On Your Side

Wasted money would have funded medical cards for children

Sinn Féin Health spokesperson and Dáil leader Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin TD has
called on Health Minister Mary Harney to provide full medical cards for all
children. Deputy Ó Caoláin was reacting to the Minister's announcement of
measures to make it easier for people to qualify for the GP visit card.

He said, "While the extension of free GP services to more people will be
welcome, Minister Harney should concentrate on providing full medical cover
for those most in need in our society.

"This Government made a pre-election promise to increase medical cards by
some 200,000. Instead of living up to its promise the Government have
introduced the 'yellow pack' GP-only card.

"The money the Fianna Fáil/Progressive Democrats government has wasted on
the useless PPARS and FISP computer systems in the health services, and on
electronic voting machines that don't work, would pay for medical cards to
be extended to everyone under 18. Since 1999 over €195 million has been
spent on these computer systems that does not work and has now been
abandoned. Over €50 million was wasted on electronic voting. Yet it would
cost E223 million to extend full medical card cover to all those under 18.

"What is needed is root and branch reform of the health system, including
universal provision, with medical cards for children as a first step." ENDS